Oba Samuel Odulana Odugbade I, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria’s southwest Friday snubbed a letter from the state government directing that applicants to chieftaincy positions under the Olubadan stool prove medical fitness before they are appointed. Olubadan claimed ignorance of the said directive and decided to promote the eight applicants, who include former governor Rashidi Ladoja, an arch rival of incumbent governor Abiola Ajimobi. The beneficiaries are Saliu A.O. Adetunji, who was installed Balogun of Ibadanland; Lekan Balogun, Otun Olubadan; Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Otun Balogun; Rasidi Ladoja, Osi Olubadan and Olufemi Olaifa as Osi Balogun of Ibadanland. Also promoted to Ekerin Olubadan are Eddy Oyewole; Ashipa Olubadan went to Tajudeen Abimbola, while Kola Daisi and Solomon Adabale became the Ekerin Olubadan and Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland respectively.According to a statement, the government’s position was conveyed in a letter by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Z. O Jayeola, which was addressed to the Head of the Ibadan South East Local Government administration, on Thursday.
In defence of the paramount ruler on the letter reportedly written by the ministry of local government affairs, new installed chief, Olaifa said: “We did not receive any letter from the government directing the Balogun and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and seven others to submit a medical report certifying them fit for the positions in line with extant chieftaincy laws. It has never happened before in Ibadan and it will not happen during our own reign.”
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